Why Choose Us?

Why choose The Sarky Cow?

Out of all the business' in all the world, why do I think that you should pick me?

I could just say, 'because I am perfect', but I'm not, (ask my husband), but I tell you what I am and that is passionate about my business which manifests into my products and your satisfaction. I get a kick out of every positive review, every lovely comment and every new design that you buy.

That spurs me on.. To get it right, get it done on time and get it dispatched.

Each collection is original and inspired by what I think you want out of a gift. I really try to impress both the buyer and the recipient. I think my endless reviews on Etsy show that I do go some way to give what I promise and sometimes a little more if I can.

When the children's memory books were launched, I thought about what Nanas or Grandmas wanted to buy their granddaughter or grandson. I thought about what those grandchildren wanted to do and I thought about how they will feel in years to come when they open their memory books and remember fondly sitting at the dining room table writing about the fun they had at age 8,9 or 10.

I thought back to when I was young and how I loved to create stories, write and draw. I loved to start a new notebook or diary and the thought of a matching set with a memory book and matching stationery bits and pieces would have just kicked my imagination into overdrive.

And once I have that inspiration, the designs just flow.

And that is just the kids' stuff. I put as much attention into all of my collections which is why they can take an age to come together.

I try to make each product I sell playful, practical and personal. I don't want my designs to be shoved under the bed with the endless, 'lovely looking but useless', gift sets that the big stores produce. No, I want someone to find the collections that I design, useful.

But, I know that the design and use is not the only thing a buyer looks for in a gift and a business. They are looking for quality and good value. They want to know that their hard earned cash is not wasted and want to be assured that they will not be ripped off.

I work hard to make sure I get my raw materials from reliable suppliers that are all based in the UK. I get paper from Brighton, my coils from Swindon, my machinery from Edinburgh, my backing from Cardiff and my ink from Wolverhampton. I get other bits and pieces from a wholesalers in Manchester. I have used the same suppliers since I started and have built up a good relationship with them. My prices I feel are reasonable with good quality products, something which I look for when I am buying.

Once I have gone to all that trouble, I have to make sure it reaches the customer in good time and in good condition and have found that out of them all, the one with the right price and the best service is Royal Mail. But, I also use a shipping partner that collects from my door and make sure it gets to your door in a good timescale. I have tested several postal services and found this to be the best. Everything is tracked which I have found gives customers real assurance.

Now, the question no one likes to be asked or answer is, do I ever make mistakes?

The answer is, of course I do.

Do I fix it immediately? Absobloodylutely.

I personally judge a business on how they fix a problem as it gives me the confidence to go back. I once remember when an elderly lady had some flowers from my shop (I used to be a florist). The lillies didn't open and they died. She told me and I explained that it sounded like they had frost bite which was something that was not obvious when using in a bouquet. I thanked her for ringing and telling me, I apologised and told her that I would get a new bouquet round to her the next day. She was delighted and said I had made her day because she was nervous to tell me.

I decided that day that I would make it known that I would never be defensive about a problem and only try to help in a meaningful way.

I don't extend that kindness to rude people though, I cannot abide bad manners and won't entertain them. Not for anything. Luckily 99.9% of my customers are absolute diamonds and I am lucky to have them but over the last 21 years, there have been a couple who have tested my patience, I won't lie. I am only human after all. I do understand frustration, I don't understand rudeness.

But, if I have made a mistake or something has arrived damaged, it gets replaced immediately. I have had some really good feedback from customers over the years that may have sounded negative but honestly has helped develop my products in a really good way. Feedback is great.

All in all I feel I know my customers and hopefully they get to know me.

My experience has told me that Nanas want to buy something special for their grandkids, I know that Mum's want to buy their son or daughter a keepsake for their graduation, I know that a group of nurses want a funny gift for their secret santa or their birthday club, and I know that a doctor's wife wants a gift that shows her husband how proud she is of him. I know that couples with their dream campervan or motorhome want matching mugs and a biscuit tin for their cozy nights in and that the dental nurse team want to welcome their new trainee with a new notebook for all their notes.

All of that matters to me, All of it.

And that is why you should pick me.

You matter to me, all of you.

If you have stayed till the end to read my ramblings, I thank you.

Ta ta for now

Paula xx